Complete Guide To The Prince Baskettail Dragonfly

Prince Baskettail Dragonfly Notes

• Prince Baskettail dragonflies like quiet freshwater with muddy bottoms.
  • They are most likely to be found within 656 yards (600 m) of freshwater or very damp wetland areas (Harms, Kinkead, and Dinsmore 2014, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10841-014-9638-4).
• They forage for food high above the trees, but perch readily.
• When perched, both sexes hang vertically on twigs and branches and curve their abdomens up into a distinct “J” shape.
• They are most often found close to trees along the banks of muddy streams, ponds, and lakes but sometimes pursue prey far out over open water.
• Mature males are very territorial and often fly out to confront any dragonflies in their areas, even those of different species.
  • Male Prince Baskettail dragonflies fly long patrols along shore, usually 3 to 6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) above the water surface (Abbott 2015).
    • They intersperse flapping their wings with long, smooth glides that cover many yards at a time.
• Female Prince Baskettails ball their orange eggs into a sphere that they hold at the tips of their abdomens, then drape the eggs over vegetation at or near the water’s surface.
  • The egg ball separates into a long rope that can extend to 1.5 feet (0.45 m) long (Dunkle 2000).